244. Gather & Analyze Data that Shows Student Thinking with Dr. Jana Lee

How can educators gather meaningful data that actually reflects student thinking—without over-relying on benchmarks or labels? In this episode of the Time for Teachership podcast, Lindsay is joined by Dr. Jana Lee to explore how teachers, coaches, and instructional leaders can collect and analyze data that shows what students truly understand, how they're thinking, and where learning breaks down. Together, they unpack mindset shifts around assessment, flexible grouping, and skill-based instruction—and why these approaches are essential for inclusive, equitable classrooms. Dr. Jana Lee shares practical strategies for using student work artifacts, observation, and in-the-moment checks for understanding to guide instruction, support coaching cycles, and measure real impact on student learning. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why measuring student thinking matters more than measuring "levels" The shift from leveled grouping to skill-based, flexible grouping How to collect data during instruction—not just at benchmark time What kinds of student artifacts best reveal thinking and misconceptions How instructional leaders can create systems (PLCs, coaching, look-fors) that support meaningful data use Why giving students 60–90 seconds of independent struggle is critical How consistency across classrooms increases student achievement Practical ways to assess thinking in both secondary and elementary settings The role of transparency, shared goals, and co-created success criteria in school improvement Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome & introduction to Dr. Jana Lee01:00 – Why measuring student learning and coaching impact matters01:45 – Big dreams for education & inclusive outcomes for all students03:10 – Mindset shifts around assessment and grouping students04:50 – Moving from leveled groups to skill-based, flexible grouping06:00 – How in-the-moment data reduces stigma and supports equity08:28 – Collecting classroom data that reflects real student learning09:37 – Connecting benchmark data with daily instructional evidence10:51 – Why consistency across classrooms increases achievement12:58 – Structures instructional leaders can use (PLCs, coaching, goals)14:38 – Co-creating look-fors and success criteria16:55 – Using patterns and themes in data to guide support19:03 – Student artifacts as powerful evidence of thinking20:12 – Diagnosing errors in thinking vs. right/wrong answers21:38 – Gathering meaningful data in elementary classrooms23:34 – Creative ways to assess thinking beyond writing25:33 – Why skill-based strategies must be content-agnostic26:24 – Biggest challenge teachers face with data collection26:50 – Letting students struggle independently (60–90 seconds)27:46 – One action listeners can take tomorrow28:05 – What Dr. Lee is learning now: adolescent reading comprehension28:59 – Where to connect with Dr. Jana Lee29:30 – Closing reflections Key Takeaways Student achievement data should be paired with classroom evidence of how students think Written, oral, behavioral, and tactile artifacts can all reveal learning Effective remediation starts with diagnosing where thinking breaks down Inclusive instruction happens when decisions are responsive, not based on preconceived beliefs Skill-based instruction across content areas creates coherence for students Get Your Episode Freebie & More Resources On My Website: https://www.lindsaybethlyons.com/blog/244 Connect With Guest Dr. Jana Lee: Instagram: @jana.c.lee Website: www.janaleeconsulting.com